No matter how many lures you carry in your boat, there’s always a color you need but don’t have. That’s a problem that plagues professional anglers just as much as recreational anglers. You just can’t carry every color combination of every bait out there.

I’ve solved that problem with a few quick tricks that allow me to change or alter colors quickly and efficiently.

Start With the Basics

First of all, I mostly carry just the basic colors in every lure. I’d rather have more shapes, sizes and actions than colors, especially when it comes to my hard baits. I can change colors quickly with simple paint markers that are sold in hobby stores. They’re cheap and they dry in a minute or two in the boat.

I can make a black back, a blue back, a white belly, a chartreuse belly or a shad spot almost as quick with them as I can dig a new lure out of my tackle.

With my plastics, it’s all about dye. I’m a firm believer that you can’t carry too many white plastic lures in your boat. They can be changed into almost any color or color combination with a Spike-It product. It’s the easiest way I know of to match the hatch.

Look over everything they offer and buy what works for you. I’m partial to the pens. I do, however, carry some of their liquid dyes and a handful of Q-tips for detail work.

Getting That “Worn-In” Look

A third thing I want to talk about is taking the shine off of your lures — hard and soft. Those of you who follow me know that I’m a firm believer in making things look old. Not much out there is all-new, perfect and shiny.

To get that worn look, I use a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser Pad. They’ll take the shine off of anything and the beauty of using them is that you can just take a little off or a lot. It’s your choice.

I used to use steel wool but I like the Magic Erasers better. I have more control with them.

Everything I’ve talked about here can be carried in a medium-size clear plastic freezer bag and stored almost anywhere. Modify your lures on the fly when you fish. You’ll have more efficiency and success, and you’ll save a ton of money by not buying lures that you rarely throw.